Category Archives: Artists Interviews

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Liz Holzman

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 What is your name?
Liz Holzman
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
Pinky and the Brain, Animaniacs, The Zeta Project, some of the Disney TV stuff I worked on. And a couple of unknown projects currently in development ( said with a Mona Lisa smile).

What would you say has been your primary job in animation?
Well… I suppose being a Producer and Director.. though time-wise, I spent more years doing boards and character design/animation.

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Lets see.. I had a job darkening contour lines and drilling wells on geological maps with a 6B pencil so they would show up well in microfilm Continue reading

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News- Rest in Peace, Rusty Mills 1962-2012

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Rusty teaching as he was often found doing- picture by Jim Mitchell

I am so deeply saddened by this news. I honestly thought he would beat it… That by some miracle I’d check this page and we’d hear he was in remission. Early on every time I spoke to him he seemed strong and when I read his updates I truly believed he was the one. He was the one through sheer will and belief that would finally beat this disease and tell it to go away. His name will go on clearly in the minds and hearts and thoughts of all of us here . While that may be of little condolence he did truly make difference; something not every person will be able to say and that I believe does matter. Rusty, I thank you for the insight, the opportunity and the wisdom you shared with me and I can only pray the good Lord will comfort your family during this heart breaking time. God speed my friend.

If you’d like to give to the Rust Mills Cancer Fund you can do so here.

Lastly, get your colon checked, Rusty died of colon cancer that spred to his liver before it was detected. Don’t let this vicious desease do the same to you.

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Tim Birks

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What is your name and your current occupation?
Tim Birks, I’ve recently finished working on Wizart Animation’s Snow Queen animated feature due for theatrical release on 31st December 2012.

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
I was lucky enough to get my first animation gig whilst still in my 3rd year of university, however whilst studying at college and university I like to consider my dues to have been paid by stacking shelves at 5am and grafting throughout the summer breaks at various colleges, jobs included cutting down trees with a blunt saw and sweeping gutters!
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I was proud to have been a part of production on the CG animated TV series, Jellikins (or Jellabies as it was renamed for American TV), not only was this my first animation gig in the late 90’s but it was also the first CG animated TV series to be produced in the UK, seems like such a long time ago now!  More recently I’m proud to have been apart of animation production on ‘The Snow Queen’ feature, the Russian CG industry is still developing and they have overcome so many obstacles to get this film made on such a limited budget, the finished product is outstanding and I’m glad I was given the opportunity to help out.

Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I’m from Birmingham, UK.  I’ve always worked in the West Midlands, UK throughout my entire career so far, apart for a brief stint in London. The industry is very Continue reading
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Rusty Mills Cancer Fund

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It is with a sad heart that I post this but it may help a good friend in need.

Rusty Mills the producer of Pinky and the Brain, Animaniacs who is a good friend  has been diagnosed with stage IV Colon Cancer and his down to his last days and his wife’s best friend has set up a fund for his family. I can only imagine the pain suffering and cost of such a disease and I would urge you to give generously to a man that gave of himself his whole life. Rather than try and be eloquent about such a tough thing,  I will take the message from the site itself:

Rusty has been fighting this Cancer with the most positive attitude that I’ve ever seen. He is a passionate animator and loves to teach. Rusty was even teaching while receiving chemotherapy.

Rusty’s wife, Andrea, and Evan, their 15 year old son have been taking care of Rusty. However, things have gotten very tough lately, and they need our help! Rusty has just started a new kind of chemotherapy and the medical bills are accumulating rapidly. Rusty is not able to work right now and he was the main source of income for his family. Andrea is now caring for Rusty full time. Together this family is strong, but it’s also been very tough financially and emotionally.

If you would like to contribute any amount, all funds will go directly to the Mills family to help them pay for Rusty’s Cancer treatment, groceries and utilities. Prayers are also requested for the Mills family. With much gratitude and love.

Many years ago when I started working on Animaniacs as a character layout artist I met a young man named Rusty Mills who was a fantastic draftsman and teacher. He was a  good animator as well and over the years our paths would cross occasionally. When they green lit Pinky and the Brain as it’s own series he asked me to direct my first true animation series. That was of course before the modern age of computers and tests and the internet. I came in met with him and Tom Ruegger and I had the job. INo scrutiny or judgement  just “welcome”.  I truly enjoyed my time working with him. He led me to my first Emmy award and I learned so much I thought my mind would explode. I took all of that knowledge to every job since then and even in the far reaches of Europe when I’d mention I had directed Pinky and the Brain people’s eyes would widen. Even if their primary language was not English. Rusty’s influence was far-reaching there is no doubt. In years following the great fall and restructuring of WB, Rusty began teaching the digital arts and has taught hundreds of people about computers, and particularly Storyboard Pro and Mirage where he was instrumental in a storyboarding package add on for that software. Rusty showed me the first tablet PC I’ve ever seen and I went out that day and bought one based on his recommendation. He was a good and caring man, and the animation world will be a little less brighter without him.

We never did an interview with Rusty as he was always so busy, but I really wish I had.

You can learn more about Rusty and his amazing talent by going to his site Rusty Mills Animation.

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David Williams

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[video src="http://www.animationinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/You-Got-Schooled-H.264.m4v" /]

What is your name and your current occupation?
David Williams and I work for Disney TV Animation’s “Jake And The Never Land Pirates”

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Nothing crazy. Just the standard “no brainier” jobs. Car wash, gas station, stock boy, construction, etc.

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
Without a doubt, the best job I had, while between animation jobs, was working for Applause designing collectible mugs, sculpts, toys, etc. For Lucasfilm Properties. I was head designer the second year and pitched the line-up of proposed merchandise to Lucasfilm (but not George). Flew out on the company’s dime and made several journeys to the Skywalker Ranch. Yes, I’ll admit it, it made me feel important. I made some long-standing friendships during that time, as well. In animation, it was working on the two Klasky/Csupo feature films “The Wild Thornberrys” and “Rugrats Go Wild”. I got into the studio at it’s zenith, and watch it all fade away within the two years I was there. Very sad. What made my time so special was the opportunities that were put in my lap! My job was storyboarding but I also designed some BG layouts, animated sequences, I even worked with the editor timing out my song sequence. Yes, this job also made me feel important. Also I played basketball almost everyday at lunch right there on the grounds. Definitely a perk.

How did you become interested in animation?
The standard way, for my generation, propped in front of the TV with a bowl of cereal on a Saturday morning. Peanuts Specials, every Christmas Special and The Wonderful World Of Disney. Definitely feature films, as well, but Continue reading